Friday July 7 Ag News

Cuming County Beef in Schools ready to start

The Cuming County Feeders Association held a kick-off celebration Thursday evening at ASC Lockers in West Point for the Cuming County Beef in Schools program.  CCFA President Todd Schroeder of Wisner says the intent of the program is two-fold, first to provide locally sourced, high quality beef for every school district in Cuming County, and second, to increase the number of times beef appears on the schools' menus.  In conversations with school administrators in the county, Schroeder says beef was at the center of the plate roughly 4-5 times per month.  He says it would be great to double that with the help of this program.

The meeting started off with an update from Nebraska Beef Council's Anne Marie Bosshammer.  She talked about how the checkoff is engaged with decision-makers and dieticians, and how they can showcase modern beef production systems.  She says Nebraska is unique, because visitors can see the complete beef cycle, from grain production to ranching and feedlots to processing and presentation, all within 24 hours.  Bosshammer also highlighted efforts on advertising to millenials here domestically, and also working with the U.S. Meat Export Federation to promote U.S. beef in foreign markets.  For example, she says the NE Beef Council has set asside additional monies for USMEF to use in developing markets in China now that US Beef is once again allowed in that country. 

Next the group toured the facility, including the butchering area, smoke room, processing floor, and coolers.  A USDA inspector was on hand to explain how hanging carasses are graded.  He talked about new technology in grading beef, including using a sophisticated, hand-made camera that will size the ribeye and determine the level of marbling in the ribeye.  People also viewed several hanging carasses from different breeds, and also an example of a grass-fed beef carcass. 

Schroeder says four carcasses have been donated so far for the Cuming County Beef in Schools program, which will be process by ASC Lockers and then the meat given to each school district in Cuming County - including Wisner-Pilger, Bancroft-Rosalie, West Point-Beemer Public, and Gardian Angles Central Catholic in West Point.  He says the goal is to have 40 donated steers or heifers to get through the school year.  Schroeder says this effort will take a little bit of coordination to keep the beef supply constant to schools.  So if you're interested in donating a beef, contact ASC Lockers.  Their phone number is 402-372-6956. 



Young Nebraska Producers Participate in NCBA's 2017 Young Cattlemen's Conference

In early June, just over sixty upcoming cattlemen and women leaders from across the Nation gathered together for the week long National Cattlemen's Beef Association 2017 Young Cattlemen's Conference. Among those participants were three young cattlemen future leaders from Nebraska, Hank Klosterman of David City, Naomi Loomis of Alliance, and Jacob Mayer of Weston.

NCBA's YCC program kicked off in Centennial, Colorado at the NCBA Headquarters where they got to hear from many of the industry's leading experts on issues affecting the beef industry, current cattle market trends, the importance of beef protein in the human diet and go on industry tours. The young leaders also got to dust of their organizational knowledge and learn more about NCBA and the Beef Checkoff Program.

On their way to Washington D.C. the group stopped briefly in Chicago for a tour of a McDonald's Campus and OSI, one of the nation's largest premiere beef patty producers. Washington, D.C., brought the young leaders an in-depth briefing on current policy issues including international trade and increasing environmental regulations. While at the Capitol the participants had the opportunity to interact with at least 125 of their elected officials or their representatives.

"As a beef producer, I thought I knew everything from pasture to plate until I sat down with the executives from McDonald's. Then I realized that I didn't fully understand how much influence is on the beef industry from the hamburger side. Another huge moment for me was when I walked on Capitol Hill, and started talking with our Congressmen, Congresswomen and our Senators who ultimately influence the laws that dictate how we run cattle on our own ranch." Naomi Loomis!

"NCBA YCC is the experience of a lifetime and one of the highlights of my career.  I don't know of another program that gives you access to such big players in the beef industry.  I was very impressed with how transparent the teams at JBS and McDonald's were with our group.  I felt like they were asked some tough and pointed questions and they were very direct with their answers.  NCBA's DC team did a great job of prepping us for our meetings on Capitol Hill.  I am thankful that we got face time with all five of Nebraska's congressional delegates unlike some of our peers who mostly met with staffers." Jacob Mayer.

"Meeting and making connections with the leaders, NCBA staff, and all participants from every association was the most valuable to me.  You make lifelong friends that will bring many benefits in and outside of the industry.  It was great to hear from past Alumni tell you "it's a marathon not a sprint!" and mean it.  It's amazing how cattlemen from every association across our nation have the same values and ethics." Hank Klosterman.

NCBA's YCC program impacts these young producers with knowledge and experiences they had never known before. These types of programs are crucial to the future of the United States Beef Industry as our country producers about 20% of the world's beef with less than 10% of the worlds cattle.




NCW - Consumer Promotion and Education Committee Meeting
Tuesday, August 1 - 10:30 am
College Park at Grand Island
3180 West U.S. Highway 34 Grand Island, NE 68801

The Nebraska Cattlewomen (NCW) is the Consumer Promotion and Education committee of the Nebraska Cattlemen State Organization. There is no extra membership fee to be a part of  NCW efforts. Some of the projects NCW participates in throughout the year include:
-    Nebraska Beef Ambassadors Contest
-    Nebraska Beef in Schools Program
-    Beef Outreach and Promotion events across the state
-    Beef in the Classroom Project



Strong Momentum Continues for Red Meat Exports

U.S. pork and beef exports posted a strong May performance, increasing significantly from the previous month and from year-ago levels, according to statistics released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

Pork exports reached 222,015 metric tons (mt) in May, up 11 percent year-over-year and the fourth-largest monthly volume on record. Pork export value was $583.2 million, up 16 percent. For January through May, exports increased 14 percent from a year ago in volume (1.05 million mt, a record pace) and 18 percent in value ($2.68 billion).

Even with the growth in U.S. pork production, exports account for a larger share in 2017. May exports equated to 29.4 percent of total production and just under 25 percent for muscle cuts only – up from 28.4 percent and 24.3 percent, respectively, last year. Through the first five months of 2017, exports accounted for 27.9 percent of total production and 23.2 percent for muscle cuts (up from 25.2 percent and 21.3 percent). Exports are also commanding higher prices, indicative of strong demand across a wide range of international markets. Export value per head slaughtered averaged $58.61 in May, up 7 percent from a year ago. The January-May average was $54.23, up 14 percent.

May beef exports totaled 105,321 mt, up 6 percent from a year ago, valued at $582.6 million, up 9 percent. For January through May, beef exports were up 12 percent in volume (497,322 mt) and 16 percent in value ($2.75 billion) compared to the same period last year.

Exports accounted for 13 percent of total U.S. beef production in May and 10 percent for muscle cuts only – each down one percentage point from a year ago. Through May, these ratios were steady with last year’s pace – 12.8 percent for total production and 10 percent for muscle cuts. Export value per head of fed slaughter averaged $265.55 in May, matching the average from a year ago. Through May, per-head export value averaged $270.27, up 8 percent. Beef export prices are also increasing, especially in key Asian markets, with double-digit increases in Japan and Korea in May illustrating the strong demand for U.S. beef.

May was a particularly strong month for variety meat exports, with pork variety meat volume climbing 16 percent to 47,766 mt (a record high for May), and value up 33 percent to $102.7 million. Beef variety meat exports reached 2017 highs in both volume (30,173 mt, up 12 percent) and value ($77.7 million, up 10 percent).

“2017 is shaping up as a very solid year for U.S. pork and beef exports, but we remain in an extremely competitive situation in each of our key markets,” said Philip Seng, USMEF president and CEO. “That’s why it is so important to capitalize on every opportunity to increase carcass value, and this is where variety meat plays an important role. USMEF has been working with our industry partners to expand the range of variety meat product offerings and diversify their destinations, and those efforts are paying important dividends for producers.”

Pork exports solid throughout Western Hemisphere and in key Asian markets
Pork exports to leading volume market Mexico showed no signs of slowing from their torrid pace, as May volume climbed 21 percent from a year ago to 68,763 mt and export value jumped 24 percent to $130 million. Through May, exports to Mexico were up 23 percent from a year ago in volume (333,853 mt) and 32 percent in value ($606.6 million). In addition to strong demand for hams and other muscle cuts, Mexico is also competing with China for U.S. pork variety meat. January-May variety meat exports to Mexico were up 14 percent to 62,328 mt and value increased by one-third to $96.4 million.

Fueled by exceptional growth in Colombia and Chile, pork exports to Central and South America were up 66 percent in volume (14,899 mt) in May and climbed 78 percent in value ($37.4 million). Through the first five months of the year, exports to this region were up 49 percent in volume to 68,640 mt and 53 percent in value to $165.2 million. Chile’s imports are running 49 percent ahead of last year’s record pace, with the U.S. as its largest supplier (U.S. share climbed from 19 percent to 32 percent, gaining in competitiveness versus Brazil). Colombia’s domestic pork production has not kept pace with demand and imports are up 55 percent, with the U.S. as the dominant supplier (U.S. share is 83 percent, up from 76 percent last year).

Led by the Dominican Republic, demand for U.S. pork is also strong in the Caribbean, where May exports increased 64 percent from a year ago in volume (5,843 mt) and 58 percent in value ($13.4 million). For January through May, exports jumped 32 percent from a year ago in both volume (22,726 mt) and value ($53.2 million).

Turning to the Asian markets, pork exports to leading value destination Japan were significantly higher in May, climbing 11 percent in volume (35,641 mt) and 20 percent in value ($145.5 million). Through May, exports to Japan increased 6 percent in volume (169,774 mt) and 12 percent in value ($686.3 million). This included a 2 percent increase in chilled pork to 91,236 mt, valued at $425 million (up 11 percent). U.S. market share in Japan has increased slightly from last year, reaching 36 percent. But competition remains fierce, with the EU dominating frozen pork imports and Canada continuing to make gains in the high-value chilled sector.

South Korea is a top performer for U.S. pork with January-May exports increasing 31 percent from a year ago in volume (81,313 mt) and 40 percent in value ($221.6 million). Although Korea’s pork production is running slightly higher than last year, demand for pork is very strong and U.S. pork is an increasingly attractive option. With online shopping especially popular in Korea and home meal replacement products and other convenience items offered both online and in stores, USMEF continues to introduce new U.S. processed pork items. The U.S. dominates Korea’s processed pork market, with imports from the U.S. valued at $24 million through May, up 3 percent.

Corresponding with the decline in China’s hog prices, pork muscle cut demand in China/Hong Kong continues to soften compared to last year’s record imports, but variety meat demand remains strong. Through May, combined pork and pork variety meat exports to the region fell 2 percent below last year’s pace in volume (228,827 mt) but remained 5 percent higher in value ($461.9 million). January-May variety meat exports were up 20 percent in volume (143,767 mt) and 29 percent in value ($304.2 million, accounting for 64 percent of the global total). Pork variety meat exports to China/Hong Kong equated to $6.15 for every U.S. hog harvested in the first five months of this year, up 25 percent from last year.

Japan, Korea and Taiwan shine for U.S. beef while rebound in Hong Kong continues
Beef exports to leading market Japan maintained their strong momentum in May, with volume up 9 percent to 25,340 mt and value up 24 percent to $160.8 million. Through May, exports to Japan exceeded last year’s pace by 28 percent in volume (123,291 mt) and 32 percent in value ($731.4 million). This included a 45 percent increase in chilled beef exports to 58,000 mt, valued at $414 million (up 42 percent). U.S. beef now accounts for 51 percent of Japan’s chilled beef imports, surpassing Australia, and climbing from 40 percent last year.

May beef exports to South Korea fell below last year’s large volume (14,268 mt, down 8 percent) but still increased 2 percent in value to $89.2 million. Chilled exports were the largest of the year at 3,700 mt, up 89 percent. For January through May, exports to Korea were up 12 percent in volume (68,656 mt) and 21 percent in value ($435.3 million). This included an 85 percent increase in chilled exports (to 15,700 mt) with value up 88 percent to $138.5 million. The U.S. is now Korea’s largest supplier of chilled beef, with market share climbing from 36.5 percent last year to 52 percent in 2017, surpassing Australia.

Beef exports to Taiwan posted a solid May performance with volume up 24 percent to 3,426 mt and value up 20 percent to $28.6 million. Through May, exports to Taiwan totaled 16,925 mt (up 24 percent) valued at $147.1 million (up 27 percent). This included chilled exports of 6,650 mt (up 16 percent) valued at $76 million (up 19 percent). The U.S. is the largest supplier of beef to Taiwan and holds 70 percent of the chilled beef market.

After a slow start to the year, exports to Hong Kong continued to gain momentum in May with exports increasing 29 percent in volume (10,290 mt) and 36 percent in value ($66.4 million). Through May, exports to Hong Kong totaled 47,683 mt (up 7 percent) valued at $300.3 million (up 14 percent).

Beef exports within North America declined in May, with volumes below year-ago levels for both Mexico (20,797 mt, down 7 percent) and Canada (8,700 mt, down 21 percent). Through May, exports to Mexico were still up 4 percent year-over-year in volume (95,379 mt) but fell 5 percent in value ($379.1 million). January-May exports to Canada remained ahead of last year’s pace in both volume (47,405 mt, up 3 percent) and value ($319.7 million, up 6 percent).

Lamb exports rebound in May
After slumping in April, U.S. lamb exports showed signs of a rebound as May volume reached 634 mt, up 14 percent from a year ago, while value increased 5 percent to $1.62 million. Through May, lamb exports were still down 20 percent from a year ago in volume (3,113 mt) but increased 3 percent in value to $7.9 million. For lamb muscle cuts only, January-May exports were up 12 percent from a year ago in volume (867 mt) and 14 percent in value ($5.4 million), including growth in Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America.



U.S. COURT OF APPEALS DISMISSES CAFO REHEARING REQUEST

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on Monday denied a request by the National Pork Producers Council and the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association for a rehearing of a case that rejected an exemption for farms from emissions regulations under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the Emergency Planning Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA). CERCLA is used to recover natural resources damages caused by hazardous substances; EPCRA is for use by state and local emergency responders when dealing with hazardous chemical releases.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency had provided farms an exemption from reporting low-level emissions of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide generated from the natural breakdown of animal manure after an agency evaluation determined that any emergency response was “unnecessary, impractical and unlikely.” Environmental activist groups sued EPA over the exemption. NPPC expects EPA to ask the court to stay its April 11 decision so the agency can figure out what it will do next. Regardless, NPPC will continue to explore regulatory solutions.



 USDA Continues to Enhance Livestock Mandatory Reporting for Swine and Pork

At the request of the pork industry, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will improve its swine and pork reports under the Livestock Mandatory Reporting (LMR) program. Effective August 7, 2017, AMS will expand swine premium price reporting and enhance the pork cutout. These changes, along with guidance previously announced, will provide industry with more data to use in an evolving and competitive marketplace.

AMS will expand the premium categories on the National Weekly Direct Swine Non-Carcass Merit Premium Report by adding an “Other” category. The new category will include all reported premiums that are not currently published on an individual basis due to confidentiality issues. A list of all of the premiums included in the “Other” category will be published on the report to provide transparency and clarity to industry regarding the items included. Initial items to be included in the “Other” category include: animal welfare, antibiotic free, diet/feed, genetics, meat quality, Process Verified Program, sow housing, and weight.

Additionally, AMS will enhance the pork cutout by removing product from the belly primal in order to better reflect current industry practices and trends. By removing the 14-16 pound and 16-18 pound skin-on bellies from the belly primal, the pork cutout will provide a more accurate and reflective belly primal value and overall pork cutout value. In 2016, the average daily difference between the current belly primal value and the proposed belly primal value was $0.20 with an average daily difference of $0.04 to the overall pork cutout value.

These changes will affect the following reports:
-    National Weekly Direct Swine Non-Carcass Merit Premium,
-    National Daily Pork Report FOB Plant - Negotiated Sales – Morning,
-    National Daily Pork Report FOB Omaha - Negotiated Sales – Morning,
-    National Daily Pork Report FOB Plant - Negotiated Sales – Afternoon,
-    National Daily Pork Report FOB Omaha - Negotiated Sales – Afternoon,
-    National Weekly Pork Report FOB Plant - Negotiated Sales, and the
-    National Weekly Pork Report FOB Omaha - Negotiated Sales.

The data supporting these changes can be found in a recent presentation titled the LMR Swine and Port Reporting Update available on the AMS website.



NCIMS Tetracycline Testing Pilot Program Launches July 1

As part of ongoing efforts to demonstrate to consumers the safety of the U.S. milk supply, starting this month dairy regulators will begin testing bulk milk tank trucks for the tetracycline family of drugs as part of the NCIMS Pilot Program. These new tests will be conducted alongside the existing beta-lactam drug screening program that is required by the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO).

National Milk Producers Federation has been engaged in both developing the tetracycline screening protocol and educating the producer community about it since the new program was first outlined at the 2015 National Conference of Interstate Milk Shipments (NCIMS).

As is the case with testing for beta-lactam antibiotics, if any milk tanker is found with a tetracycline drug residue, it will be rejected and its milk dumped. The tolerance level for tetracyclines – set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration – is 300 parts per billion.

“Over the last 20 years, the percentage of farm milk samples testing positive for the presence of beta lactam antibiotics – the type of antibiotics most commonly used to treat sick cows – has continued to decline from an exceedingly low level of positives to virtually non-existent,” said Beth Briczinski, NMPF vice president of dairy foods and nutrition. “In 1996, 99.9% of samples tested free of antibiotics. In 2016, nearly 99.99% of farm milk samples tested antibiotic-free. That’s a great achievement, and this new testing program is another opportunity to demonstrate our industry’s commitment to milk safety and judicious use of antibiotics to treat animals when they become sick.”

NMPF assisted with the development of the pilot program through the NCIMS Appendix N Modification Committee. To help educate farmers and cooperatives about the requirements of the program, National Milk has hosted three webinars for cooperative members during the past year. NMPF staff have also contributed articles in both Hoard’s Dairyman and Progressive Dairyman that describe the pilot program’s general requirements (i.e. which facilities are expected to participate, rate of testing, test kits that will be used), and emphasized the need for producers to work with veterinarians through a valid Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship. Published materials also include a FAQ sheet and the FARM Program’s drug residue prevention manual.

The testing program will be conducted for 18 months, after which the FDA and NCIMS will examine the results and determine next steps. More information can be found on the NCIMS Pilot Program website and NMPF website.

“The ultimate goal of the tetracycline pilot program is to demonstrate the effort the industry is doing to ensure antibiotic residues do not end up in milk,” said Dr. Briczinski. “National Milk staff are available to help producers understand and comply with this program so that we can continue telling the dairy industry’s great story about wholesome, nutritious milk.”



 European Court Decision Helps Bolster NMPF Stance on Enforcement of Dairy Food Labeling Standards

In a decision with clear implications for the regulation of U.S. dairy foods, the European Union (EU) Court of Justice ruled in late June that plant-based food companies cannot use most dairy-specific terms in labeling or advertising, and must abide by European law reserving terms such as “milk” and “cheese” for products derived from animals. During visits with European dairy companies in late June, National Milk Producers Federation’s leadership praised the ruling and discussed ways that dairy farm groups can further collaborate to defend the image and proper marketing of milk products.

“The European Court of Justice did just what we’re asking the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to do: Uphold and enforce current standards of labeling for milk and milk products,” said Jim Mulhern, NMPF president and CEO. “None of the fake dairy products provides the same high-quality nutrition package as real milk. It is past time that manufacturers of these products, which are factory-made concoctions of powdered plant ingredients and water, abide by existing standards, whether in Europe or the United States.”

The European court decision adds further impetus to NMPF’s campaign this year to encourage passage of the DAIRY PRIDE Act. The legislation would require the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to enforce the long-standing regulation that milk must come from an animal source, thus prohibiting plant-based “milks” from using dairy terminology on their labels. NMPF has continued to build support for the House and Senate companion bills since their introductions in late January.

Numerous op-ed pieces have appeared in newspapers around the country in support of the DAIRY PRIDE Act. On June 27, Lancaster Farming published an op-ed by Pennsylvania dairy farmer Lisa Graybeal, who argued that without FDA enforcement, plant-based companies can “skirt the law and freely promote their nutritionally inconsistent — and often inferior — imitations by using imagery and terms associated with real milk’s positive reputation.”

“Doing this creates inaccuracy in your grocer’s dairy case, and it’s unfair to consumers,” she said.

NMPF continues to publish legislative action alerts, news articles, infographics and other materials that advocate support for DPA. NMPF strongly encourages cooperatives to share these materials with staff, producer-members and on social media to garner additional congressional support for the DPA measure.



Arkansas, Missouri Halt Sale, Use of Dicamba Herbicides

The states of Arkansas and Missouri both took action Friday to ban the use of dicamba-mix herbicide applications in their respective states after waves of complaints from farmers who were not using the technology.

The Arkansas Legislative Council executive subcommittee on Friday chose to take no action on a vote by the state plant board to ban the use of any dicamba-mix herbicide in the state, which basically means Arkansas will ban the use of dicamba for at least 120 days.

Just hours later, Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Chris Chinn issued a temporary stop sale, use or removal order on all herbicides that contain dicamba. The Missouri ban is considered "temporary," said a spokeswoman for the state agriculture department "until a solution is reached."

The Arkansas ban goes into effect for 120 days starting at 12:01 a.m., July 11. That suggests there could be a lot of dicamba spraying across the state this weekend and on Monday.

Initially, any farmer caught using dicamba-mix herbicide would be hit with a $1,000 fine. However, the fine will go up to $25,000 after Aug. 1.

Arkansas already has bans on certain formulations of dicamba and limits the use of others. For instance, Monsanto's XtendiMax can only be used before April 15. BASF's Engenia herbicide was the only approved dicamba formulation allowed for use on Arkansas crops after April 15.

Missouri allowed a broader use of dicamba products, but XtendiMax, Engenia and FeXapan were all cited as products included in the ban. Missouri retailers and pesticide applicators are advised not to sell or use any of those products.

Monsanto issued a statement in response to the Arkansas ban on Friday, stating that while the company is concerned about the reports of potential crop injury, the decision to ban dicamba is "premature."

"We sympathize with any farmers experiencing crop injury, but the decision to ban dicamba in Arkansas was premature since the causes of any crop injury have not been fully investigated," Monsanto said in its statement. "While we do not sell dicamba products in Arkansas, we are concerned this abrupt decision in the middle of a growing season will negatively impact many farmers in Arkansas.

"In the many states we do sell dicamba, we will continue our efforts to help farmers use dicamba successfully."

BASF also issued a statement focused on the Arkansas ban. A company representative had testified before the joint Agriculture committees early Friday.

"We disagree with the Arkansas statewide ban on dicamba applications. This decision was made despite hearing testimony from many of the state’s growers opposed to the ban and who are using the product with success," BASF stated.

BASF defended its herbicide technology despite nearly 600 complaints about drift contamination, mainly in the eastern part of the state. BASF stated that banning Engenia "needlessly punishes growers who have successfully and lawfully used the product, while failing to provide an effective deterrent to growers who may be willing to ignore the ban. In addition, the ban fails to address the need for effective enforcement of label requirements for Engenia’s use."